FRISCO — NFL free agency will begin on March 12 with teams swarming to add new talent and plug holes across the roster. The Dallas Cowboys will be one of the teams that will need to have a busy offseason to field a contending unit for next season.
One of the biggest dominoes to fall? The team awaits a decision from right guard and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Zack Martin on whether or not he will retire with 11 seasons under his belt.
Martin has been a standout leader in the trenches for over a decade and one of their most reliable players as well. But several injuries cut his 2024 campaign short and stirred the rumors of his potential exit from the game.
Dallas could certainly use him if he comes back. Even with a new administration taking order on offense, the Cowboys' line remains very green with younger players hoping to progress next season.
At the same time though, Martin could decide his time at The Star has come to an end and move on to another team. ESPN's Matt Bowen believes that Martin would be a "best fit" for the Kansas City Chiefs who could be moving on from their own star in the interior.
"We have Trey Smith fitting with the (Chicago) Bears, leaving an open spot on the interior of the Kansas City front. Martin still brings the blend of size (6-4, 315 pounds) and mobility that coaches want at the guard position," Bowen wrote.
"Last season, Martin played in 10 games due to a right ankle injury, but his pass block win rate of 93.7% ranked 15th among guards. He could help keep that Chiefs interior strong (though the OT position also needs a lengthy look this offseason)."
Super Bowl LIX showed the Chiefs need an overhaul of their offensive line. That would not include Smith if he was under contract, but the free agent may demand a price outside Kansas City's range.
While the Chiefs sort out other needs on the line, Martin could step in, giving them a veteran presence on the right side and a reliable one as they work their way back to contention.
As for the Cowboys, new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is looking to establish a more physical identity offensively, which Martin could certainly help build in some capacity next season. But that plan relies on setting a standard maintained regardless of who is on the field.
Life without Martin will be an adjustment for the Cowboys whether he joins another team or decides to retire. But looking at the bigger picture of the offseason, adapting will be necessary.
